Basements, Attics and Crawl Spaces - Attic Steps

I have a set of attic steps that for lack of a better term will not stay straight and on the floor when there is no weight on them. They are probably 20 years old. I am guessing it is a spring issue. Is there any way to confirm this and an easy way to adjust the spring tension?

:D

Normally its the other way around...they won't go up as easily as they used to because the springs lose some tension. Sounds like yours are not letting it come all the way down?

I'd first look to make sure all the fasteners are tight, no bent members or brackets, and a light lubricating oil or spray at each and every pivot point. I don't think I've ever seen one that really had any adjustments.

Thanks for the reply. Been down the tightening/lubing road. The operation of the stairs is normal with no kins or binds. Just when you put the steps down, they get pulled back up from the floor which makes coming down a bit of a challange. Can those springs be replaced?

Maybe..if you know the manufacturer...but I doubt it would solve the problem..newer springs would probably have more tension than what you have now.

Now that I've thought a little longer...its probably the wear and lubrication that has allowed them to lift.

Try taping or attaching some sort of weight to the bottom step and see if it still closes well but will sit all the way down. You could probably then permanently attach weights (lead bars from a metal or gun shop) to the underside of the treads or stringers.

What is the ceiling height?
Perhaps the bottom ends of the stringers need extensions added.

Picture would be nice.... Before attaching more weight, I would stretch the springs a little at a time untill good. But not the main side springs, any others, fine.
Be safe, Gary

There is a point of the spring hinge travel where the levers "toggle", reverse direction slightly. That is where things should lock up in the down position. Maybe the stairs were never properly cut to allow this toggle action. Often the stairs were initiall cut for no carpet, and carpet or new floors are added. Things are then not allowed full travel.